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Background
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Members in the TNF superfamily regulate immune responses and induce apoptosis. Two novel members were recently identified by several groups and designated BAFF and APRIL. Both proteins stimulate B cell proliferation, humoral immune responses, NF-?oB activation, and apoptosis. Two receptors, TACI and BCMA, recognize both BAFF and APRIL, a third receptor, BAFF-R, is specific for BAFF. These ligands and their receptors are involved in the development of autoimmune diseases as well as cancer.
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